Ford Disagreed With Bush About Invading Iraq — Former president Gerald R. Ford said in an embargoed interview in July 2004 that the Iraq war was not justified. "I don't think I would have gone to war," he said a little more than a year after President Bush had launched the invasion advocated …

He led by listening — Ford was not afraid of strong-willed advisors and thrived on their give-and-take. — WASHINGTON — After Gerald R. Ford became president in 1974, he assembled a staff of strong, brilliant and highly opinionated personalities. Ford's most enduring legacy …

Islamists Seem to Give Up Grip on Somali City — The Islamist forces who have controlled much of Somalia in recent months suddenly vanished from the streets of the capital, Mogadishu, residents said Wednesday night, just as thousands of rival troops massed 15 miles away.

Ethiopians Blitz Their Way Across the Country — Ethiopian troops have stood aside so that Somali gunmen representing the Transitional Government can enter Mogadishu. The surviving Islamic Courts fighters have fled south, from whence they came. This does not solve the basic problem …

Opponents of Islamists Seize Somali Capital — Just hours after the Islamist forces abandoned Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, militias loyal to the transitional government seized the city today in a stunning reversal of fortunes. — According to residents, troops from the transitional government …

Close Adviser to Sadr Dies in U.S.-Iraqi Raid — A top deputy of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr was killed Wednesday during a raid by U.S. and Iraqi troops in the southern holy city of Najaf, sparking protests from Sadr's followers and complicating an already tense relationship with the powerful anti-American leader.

Reid to miss Ford funeral — WASHINGTON - Incoming Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will miss the state funeral for former President Gerald Ford at the Capitol Rotunda on Saturday night, opting instead to lead a delegation to South America with an expected stop at the Machu Picchu Inca ruins.

Edwards's Theme: U.S. Poverty — Amid Iraq Talk, White House Hopeful Sticks to '04 Issue in '08 Run — For the roughly two dozen candidates considering a run for the White House, it is perhaps the jackpot question: What might be the winning message in a contest whose first nominating vote is still more than a year away?

Blair on Islam: Standard-Bearer of Tolerance — A quote from Tony Blair in Foreign Affairs, January/February 2007 — To me, the most remarkable thing about the Koran is how progressive it is. I write with great humility as a member of another faith. As an outsider, the Koran strikes …

A Battle for Global Values — Summary: The war on terrorism is not just about security or military tactics. It is a battle of values, and one that can only be won by the triumph of tolerance and liberty. Afghanistan and Iraq have been the necessary starting points of this battle.

US holding two Iranians in Iraq — US forces are holding two Iranian nationals detained last week in the Iraqi capital on suspicion of weapons smuggling, military spokesman General William Caldwell has confirmed. — "There was an operation on the morning of December 21 based on intelligence.

As Minds Age, What's Next? Brain Calisthenics — PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Is there hope for your hippocampus, a new lease for your temporal lobe? — Science is not sure yet, but across the country, brain health programs are springing up, offering the possibility of a cognitive fountain of youth.

G.O.P. Senator in Spotlight After a Critical Iraq Speech — At the close of the Senate's lame-duck session, in between formulaic tributes to senators departing voluntarily or otherwise, a Republican backbencher suddenly rose to give one of the most passionate and surprising speeches about the war in Iraq yet delivered in Congress.

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